Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup In Rice Cooker

This easy Rice Cooker Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup recipe is made with chicken breast, onion, celery, carrot, garlic, and extra virgin olive oil. It takes about 90 minutes to cook all the way through and let the flavors develop. You can have Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad, Orange Beet Salad, or toasted bread with your Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup.

To make Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup in a rice cooker, you start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces and dicing the vegetables. Place them in the rice cooker along with olive oil, bay leaf, and chicken stock. Set your rice cooker to the ‘Slow Cook’ setting for 40 minutes. After that, add the orzo pasta and cook for an additional 30 minutes. Finish by adding lemon juice and chopped dill, then season with salt and black pepper.

Rice Cooker Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Ingredients

• 4 oz Chicken breast
• 3 oz Onion
• 2.5 stalks Celery
• 2 1/8 oz Carrot
• 1/6 oz Garlic
• 1 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
• 1 Bay leaf
• 1/2 tsp Dried thyme
• 3 cups Chicken stock
• 1 3/z oz Orzo pasta (dried)
• 1 tbsp Lemon juice
• 1 tbsp Chopped dill
• Salt and black pepper to taste

How To Make Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup In Rice Cooker

1. Prep Ingredients: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces for quicker cooking. Dice the onion, celery, and carrot into small cubes for uniform cooking. Mince the garlic finely. Place all these ingredients into the inner pot of your rice cooker.
2. Mix and Set: Add the olive oil, bay leaf, and dried thyme to the pot. Pour in the chicken stock. Stir everything together to ensure the flavors meld well.
3. Start Slow Cooking: On your rice cooker, select the ‘Slow Cook’ menu. Set the timer for 40 minutes. Press the ‘Start’ button. This will allow the chicken and vegetables to cook thoroughly and absorb the flavors.
4. Add Orzo: After the initial 40 minutes are up, open the lid and add the orzo pasta. Stir it in. Press the ‘Hour’ key on your rice cooker to add an additional 30 minutes of cooking time. Press ‘Start’ to resume cooking.
5. Final Touch: Once the second cooking phase is complete, carefully open the lid. Add freshly squeezed lemon juice and freshly chopped dill. Stir well to distribute the flavors. Season with salt and black pepper to your liking. Give it one final stir and then pour the soup into serving bowls.

Recipe Tips:

• Chicken Prep: Cutting chicken into smaller pieces ensures quick and even cooking.
• Vegetable Dice: Finely chopping the vegetables allows them to cook thoroughly and release their flavors into the soup.
• Orzo Cooking: Adding the orzo pasta towards the end of cooking prevents it from becoming too soft and mushy.
• Lemon Freshness: Adding lemon juice just before serving preserves its bright, fresh flavor.
• Herb Aroma: Fresh herbs like dill add a burst of freshness, enhancing the soup’s overall flavor.

Recipe Variations:

• Creamy Soup: For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a slight kick.
• Greens Addition: Stir in some spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrition and color.
• Bean Variety: Add cannellini beans or chickpeas for additional protein and texture.
• Citrus Twist: Experiment with different citrus like lime or orange juice for a unique flavor twist.

Can I use rice instead of orzo pasta in this soup?

Yes, you can use rice instead of orzo pasta in Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup. Choose a type of rice that cooks well in soups, such as basmati or jasmine rice, for the best texture.

Is it possible to make this soup with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version?

Certainly! To make a vegetarian version of Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup, simply replace the chicken breast and chicken stock with your favorite vegetables and vegetable broth.

Can I add other herbs to the soup?

Absolutely! You can enhance the flavor of Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup by adding herbs like parsley, cilantro, or even a bit of rosemary. These herbs will add depth and freshness to the soup.

What To Serve With Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

For a well-rounded meal, consider serving Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup with Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad or Orange Beet Salad would complement the soup’s bright lemony flavors. A crusty bread would also be a great addition to soak up the delicious broth.

How To Store Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

In The Fridge:

Store the Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Be aware that the orzo pasta will absorb some of the broth, so you may need to add a little more chicken stock when reheating.

In The Freezer:

The soup can be frozen, but it’s advisable to do so without the orzo pasta as it tends to get puffy when frozen. Store the soup in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Add cooked orzo after thawing and reheating the soup.

How To Reheat Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

To reheat the soup, place it in a small saucepan and warm it over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened due to the orzo absorbing the broth, you may need to add a little more chicken stock to reach your desired consistency.

Check out More Rice Cooker Recipes:

• Apple Butter In Rice Cooker
• Mexican Chili In Rice Cooker
• Corned Beef And Cabbage In Rice Cooker